In her solo show “Relational Gradient” at Sparks Gallery, Annalise Neil unites art, nature, and science with radiant blue cyanotypes and complex watercolors. The artist’s covered topics range from both recognizable subjects such as plants and animals, to abstract and philosophical topics like quantum theory, perception, and time. The artworks are also left open to […]
On September 14, 2023, Sparks Gallery transformed into an immersive “Wonderland” themed to Alice’s adventures in the famous Lewis Carroll novel. Guests entered the party “down the rabbit hole” through a decorative arch covered in vines and foliage, embellished by Danielle Monique Designs, and were greeted by “Eat Me” cookies and sparkly “Drink Me” cocktails. The culinary […]
Conceptual art strives to break the conventional notions of traditional art. It subscribes to the value that the concept or idea is more important than the art object. Conceptual art embraces everyday objects and ready-made things to convey ideas and commentary on society or social norms. By understanding what conceptual art is, its purpose, and examples, you’ll […]
Realism in art, often known as “naturalism” or “objective realism,” is an artistic approach that seeks to represent reality as accurately and authentically as possible. This style emerged in Europe during the mid-19th century as a reaction against the established norms of bourgeois art at the time, and is considered the beginning of modern art. […]
Expressionism is a modernist art movement that arose in the early 20th century and is distinguished by its aggressive and emotive approach to painting. This movement was a reaction to the quickly changing world around artists, as well as a desire to depart from the past’s standard techniques and styles. Expressionist artists strove to convey […]
Figurative art is a kind of art that depicts the human form as well as real objects and scenes. This type of art has a long and illustrious history, stretching back to ancient civilizations, and has evolved over the years to encompass modern and abstract variations. Figurative art exists in a variety of forms, including […]
Surrealism is a cultural and artistic movement that originated in the 1920s and 1930s as a reaction to the traumas of World War I and the disillusionment with modern civilization. It is a style that tries to challenge reality by depicting a warped, irrational universe filled with surprising, bizarre features. This movement had a tremendous […]
Kathleen Kane-Murrell’s ethereal, butterfly laden artwork speaks to the fascinating (yet fragile) connections in our world. And because the artwork in her solo show was made almost entirely during lockdown, it serves to emphasize the human, social, and environmental disconnect caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kane-Murrell reflects on her themes, process, and the beginnings of […]
Abstract art is a non-objective art form that breaks traditional, realistic art styles. It intends to inspire emotion and intangible experience, rather than telling a story or portraying realistic subjects. While it exists today in many forms, both two and three-dimensionally, abstract art disrupted the art world when it abandoned realistic representation of subject matter. […]
Portraiture painting has been a popular form of artistic expression for centuries, and its development has paralleled each era’s shifting views, beliefs, and cultural conventions. Portrait painting has long been a vehicle for artists to capture the likeness, personality, and position of their subjects, from early Greek and Roman sculptures through the Renaissance masterpieces of […]
